The President Bola Tinubu-led government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with France. The pact aims to promote joint projects in the solid minerals sector of both countries, focusing on critical minerals essential to clean energy technologies.
The agreement is expected to open up new opportunities for the remediation of over 2,000 abandoned pits in Nigeria, a move that could potentially create jobs and stimulate economic growth. This development comes on the heels of recent mining pit collapse incidents that resulted in the loss of at least 65 lives across the country.
The MOU includes provisions for collaboration on research, training, and Franco-Nigerian students exchanges for knowledge and skills transfer. It also promotes sustainable mining activities to reduce environmental impact on carbon emissions, water consumption, and climate change.
The Minister for Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, signed the MOU on behalf of Nigeria, while the Inter-Ministerial delegate for Critical Ores and Metals of the Republic of France, Mr. Benjamin Gallezot, represented France.
This partnership is seen as a boost to the Tinubu administration’s efforts to reposition Nigeria’s solid minerals sector for international competitiveness. The ministry plans to leverage the partnership to attract French investors to the sector.
